FTC Submits Comment on Final Information Blocking Rule to the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology

The Federal Trade Commission staff has submitted a statement in support of certain changes made by the Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in ONC’s 21st Century Cures Act: Interoperability, Information Blocking Final Rule. FTC staff previously submitted a comment when ONC published its proposed […]

FTC, FDA Send Warning Letters to Seven Companies about Unsupported Claims that Products Can Treat or Prevent Coronavirus

The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have sent warning letters to seven companies allegedly selling unapproved products that may violate federal law by making deceptive or scientifically unsupported claims about their ability to treat coronavirus (COVID-19). The warning letters are the first issued by the agencies alleging unapproved and/or unsupported […]

Tea Marketer Misled Consumers, Didn’t Adequately Disclose Payments to Well-Known Influencers, FTC Alleges

Note: The FTC will host a conference call for media with Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection:Date: March 6, 2020Time: 11:30 a.m., ETCall-in: 844-767-5651, confirmation number 2279256Call-in lines, which are for media only, will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. A marketer of teas and skincare products […]

Affiliate Marketers to Pay More Than $4 Million to Settle Charges that They Promoted a Fraudulent Business Coaching and Investment Scheme

A group of affiliate marketers who lured consumers into a business coaching and investment scheme known as My Online Business Education (MOBE) will surrender millions of dollars in assets to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. According to complaints filed by the FTC, the defendants made millions of dollars in commissions by enticing thousands of consumers […]

Marketers of Pain Relief Device Settle FTC False Advertising Complaint

Under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the marketers of an electrical nerve stimulation device called Quell have agreed to pay at least $4 million and stop making deceptive claims that the device treats pain throughout the body when placed below the knee and is clinically proven and cleared by the Food and Drug […]

FTC, FDA to Hold Workshop on Promoting Competition in Markets for Biologics

On March 9, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration will co-sponsor a public workshop on promoting competition in biologics markets. The workshop will be held at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland and will also be webcast. Workshop panelists will discuss the agencies’ efforts to support competition […]

FTC Kicks Off National Consumer Protection Week 2020

The Federal Trade Commission and federal, state, and local agencies, consumer groups, and national advocacy organizations, will participate in the 22st annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). This year’s NCPW on March 1-7 is an opportunity to remind people of their rights as consumers, help them make well-informed decisions about money, and provide tips to […]

FTC Sending Refunds Totaling Over $2 Million to Consumers Harmed by Alleged Government Imposter Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 4,976 refund checks and sending 44,136 PayPal payments totaling over $2 million to consumers allegedly defrauded by American Immigration Center. According to the FTC, starting in 2010, the company falsely implied that its websites were affiliated with the U.S. government to sell immigration form preparation services to consumers, many […]

FTC Sending Refunds Totaling Over $2 Million to Consumers Harmed by Alleged Government Imposter Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 4,976 refund checks and sending 44,136 PayPal payments totaling over $2 million to consumers allegedly defrauded by American Immigration Center. According to the FTC, starting in 2010, the company falsely implied that its websites were affiliated with the U.S. government to sell immigration form preparation services to consumers, many […]

FTC to Host Workshop Examining Issues Related to Proposed Amendments to the Safeguards Rule

The Federal Trade Commission will hold a public workshop on May 13, 2020 seeking research, testimony, and other input on the proposed changes to the Safeguards Rule under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The workshop will explore some of the issues raised in response to amendments the FTC has proposed making to the Safeguards Rule, which requires […]